Investing in a custom outdoor fireplace can be a very wise decision. Outdoor fireplaces can add elegance and value to your home, enhance your landscaping and add a welcoming appeal to family and friends. Whether you are in the market for an outdoor fireplace for your home, your restaurant, or resort you will be adding value and creating a gathering spot that you will appreciate for years to come. In this article I’ll give you a few tips on choosing custom outdoor fireplaces both finding the best outdoor fireplace design and some guidance on which method to choose for installation.

Choosing a Custom Outdoor Fireplace Design

When planning an outdoor fireplace project, there are several things you need to consider:

• Where will your fireplace be located? The design you choose for a custom outdoor fireplace by a pool will likely be quite different than one tucked into the corner of your patio. A patio fireplace can tie together a large, expansive area and offer a warm enticing oasis for family and friends.
• What kind of material do you prefer? You want to make sure that any material you choose will blend in with the surrounding area, as well as complement the materials used in your home. A stone outdoor fireplace may lend itself well to a backdrop of trees and or mountain vista, and the material you select for your fireplace will help it blend in with an extremely natural setting. If you have a colonial brick home, a brick outdoor fireplace will add to the architectural elegance very nicely.
• What fuel selection do you want for your outdoor fireplace? If you want an outdoor wood burning fireplace, you will need the installation of a chimney, where as an outdoor gas fireplace will need venting. All this will impact design you choose, and the final appearance of your surroundings as well.

Outdoor Fireplace Construction

When it comes time to build your outdoor fireplace, you’ll need to decide whether to do it yourself, or hire a professional for the outdoor fireplace construction project. There are pros and cons to each:

Do It Yourself

Outdoor Fireplace Kit

Doing it yourself with outdoor fireplace kits have their advantages. An outdoor fireplace kit will generally be less expensive than hiring a mason to build it for you. Most fireplace kits are custom-built and are relatively easy to install. Most also come with detailed installation manuals. An outdoor fireplace kit is customizable for your exact preferences, at a percentage of the cost for hiring someone. If you’ve tackled do-it-yourself projects before or have a good understanding of bricklaying you may be able to save a substantial amount this way.

However, keep in mind that installing an outdoor fireplace is a commitment! Most outdoor fireplaces are permanent structures and therefore you will want them to be an asset to your property and remain an added benefit for new owners down the road. If you’re uncertain about your ability or don’t have the time to spend on a fairly involved project, you may be better off hiring a professional. Or you may even want to consider something with less of a commitment that you can move or change like an outdoor chiminea or a raised outdoor fire pit.

Hire a Professional

Hiring a professional to help you with outdoor fireplace construction can be a great asset in the long run. Professionals have the expertise, plans and the tools to make sure your custom outdoor fireplace turns out perfectly whether you choose an outdoor stone fireplace, an outdoor brick fireplace or something completely different. Most professional outdoor fireplace designers can give you a site evaluation and may offer suggestions for materials and designs that you would not have considered on your own.

Custom Outdoor Fireplace

When hiring a professional, be sure to find out if they’re licensed and bonded. Also ask for references, and be sure to check them. If you have a general idea of the design you’d like to use, ask to see a portfolio as this can be a quick way to determine if a particular contractor has built something similar to what you already have in mind. However, a professionally designed custom outdoor fireplace will likely cost significantly more than a kit fireplace that you install yourself.

When considering custom outdoor fireplaces, take your time. Look around at plans and designs as well as different material options. Decide if you feel you are able to do this on your own or need expert assistance. With a solid plan and some elbow grease (or the help of a professional) you can enjoy the warmth of a custom outdoor fireplace sooner than you may think.

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Adding a copper fire pit to your patio can add a touch of warmth and elegance. Copper fire pits can also help you create a nice place to spend evenings on your patio, either a quiet evening alone or a cozy evening with friends. Copper outdoor fire pits have a number of benefits but before you decide to buy one make sure this is the right type of outdoor fireplace to fit your needs.

The Popularity of Copper

Copper has become a popular material for a number of uses in homes besides wiring and water pipes. Many people are taking advantage of the warm beauty and durability of copper for use in things like copper sinks, copper hose storage and outdoor copper fire pits. If you use copper in other areas of your home, especially outside, adding a copper fire pit can help create a cohesive theme.

Copper Fire Pits

If you are looking for a small outdoor fireplace that won’t take up too much space an outdoor copper fire pit is a good fit. Generally speaking copper fire pits are pretty small and meant to be used as patio fire pits. There are even some models that are made to be easily portable. If you are looking for a portable fire pit to take to the beach or camping look for one that folds and has a carrying case.

Copper Fire Pit Table

You can also find a fire pit table that uses a copper fire bowl. Most of these have a relatively small table space, but they still provide additional functionality and they can be used as a small patio table. Some of them even have decorative mosaic tile that can help enhance the look of your patio especially when blended well with planters or other outdoor accenting items on your patio.
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Most copper fire pits come with a few basic outdoor fireplace accessories like a spark screen, a lifting tool and a stand. Some will even come with fire pit covers, if not consider investing in one to help protect it and to prevent ashes from blowing in your yard.

While solid copper fire bowls can be expensive, especially if you choose an artisan crafted hammered copper fire bowl, those made with iron and coated in copper are much less expensive. You can find a number of copper coated fire pits under $200.

It is important to know that copper outdoor fire pits won’t keep that shiny copper look. Once they are used and as they sit outside they will develop a patina over time. Some people love the look of the patina finish so this is seen as a benefit, but others don’t. Just don’t expect it to remain shiny over time.

As with any other wood burning outdoor fire pits copper patio fire pits may create a bit more smoke if they use wood for fuel because they don’t have a design to direct the smoke upwards like an outdoor chiminea or a fixed brick or stone outdoor fireplace. However if you choose a gas fire pit you won’t have this problem with smoke.

Copper Fire Bowl

Because this style of patio fireplace is so easy to move around sometimes people forget about basic fire safety. Make sure you only use it on a stable non-flammable surface. Also be sure to keep your backyard fire pit a safe distance from anything remotely flammable like branches, bushes or your home.

Copper Fire Bowls

A copper fire bowl is pretty similar to a copper fire pit, in fact some may use the terms interchangeably. To me though copper fire bowls are deeper, rounder and many of them have more distinct design features. I’ve seen some fire pit bowls that are in the shape of dancing flames or other intricate designs. But overall a copper fire bowl will have the same benefits and drawbacks as a copper fire pit.
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One way to update your patio is by adding a patio fire pit. Patio fire pits can help create a new look and feel for this outdoor space. Not only do outdoor fire pits add a nice look but they also add increased functionality and create a cozy ambiance.

Types of Patio Fire Pits

A patio fire pit usually works well for a small patio because they require less space than brick or stone outdoor fireplaces. They are also usually easy to move so they make a great portable outdoor fireplace.

Because of the high demand for them we now have a wide selection when it comes these patio fireplaces. You can find outdoor fire pits made of various metals like cast iron, cast aluminum or copper to name a few. A copper fire pit can really provide a distinct look. You can also find them with decorative stone to provide a more rugged or outdoor feel.

But if you want a truly multifunctional patio fire pit consider one made in the style of a fire pit table. This essentially blends a table and a fire pit together making this addition very functional. Some have a beautiful stone or mosaic tile table wrapped around a sunken fire bowl. You can even get them to blend in with the flagstone on your patio to create a cohesive design that incorporates your outdoor fireplace.

Wood or Gas Fire Pit?

Patio Fire Pit

One important thing to consider before you start shopping is whether you want a wood burning or gas fire pit. But before you make the decision check with your city to see what is allowed in your area. Some areas have restrictions on wood burning.

A wood burning fire pit will provide the rustic feel of an outdoor fire with the smell of smoke, which can also help fend off bugs, but with this type you may want to choose one with a screen lid to protect onlookers from popping embers.

Outdoor gas fire pits are easy to light and extinguish. It will also burn cleaner than one that burns wood. But make sure you have an appropriate fuel source readily available. You can either buy small tanks of fuel or have a fuel line run from your house. For a small patio fireplace like this it is usually easier to buy small tanks of fuel. Choosing a light model will also make this a portable fire pit that is easy to use on the go.

Patio fire pits provide a great way to enjoy your patio even when the nights start to get chilly.

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Whether you’ve seen an outdoor gas fire pit nicely displayed at your local home improvement store or in your friend or neighbor’s yard you may be tempted by them. It’s hard not to be. After all outdoor fireplaces provide a great centerpiece for a gathering or a quiet, relaxing evening. They provide a cozy, inviting atmosphere while they also offer warmth on a slightly chilly evening.

While the original style of fire pit was pretty rudimentary with several rocks surrounding a hole in the ground, the outdoor fire pits of today offer a wide range of options from rustic to elegant. You can easily find patio fire pits to match any look you want to create in your back yard patio or outdoor room.

Advantages Of An Outdoor Gas Fire Pit

Outdoor gas fire pits are a good choice if you live in an area that has wood burning fire restrictions, but before you purchase any type of outdoor fireplace make sure you know what is allowed in your specific area.

Outdoor Gas Fire Pit

An outdoor gas fire pit has a few advantages over a wood burning fire pit. It burns cleaner so you don’t have to worry about smoke drifting in your face or in your neighbor’s direction, and you also won’t have worry about cleaning the ash from it so it doesn’t blow into your yard. Both starting and extinguishing a fire is easy with gas fire pits, so if you only have a little time to sit outside you can still enjoy your outdoor fireplace without spending too much time lighting it and putting it out. They also allow you to have better control over the size of the fire, often with the easy use of a remote.

With an gas outdoor fire pit you can also make use of fire glass to create a distinct look, instead of using the more commonly seen gas logs or lava rocks.

Types of Gas Fire Pits

When it comes to gas fire pits you have a couple of choices based on the type of fuel you prefer. There are outdoor propane fire pits and natural gas fire pits. A propane fire pit is typically a little more versatile and many styles work well as a portable outdoor fireplace. Since varying sizes of propane tanks are usually easy to find a propane portable fire pit is something you can even take to a friend’s house or camping. If you have natural gas in your home you can have a professional run a gas line out to your natural gas fire pit so you have a constant fuel source without having to replace gas tanks.

If you want more of a fixed structure you can find an outdoor fireplace kit that will make it easier to install. Many outdoor fireplace kits provide a base structure that you can customize with things like brick or stone.

Before you start shopping think a little about what you want from your outdoor gas fire pit, and don’t forget to look at fire pit covers to protect your patio fireplace. You’ll be glad you did when you’re sitting around it enjoying a cozy fire.
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As outdoor fireplaces become more and more popular our options for them increase as well. In areas where outdoor wood burning fireplaces aren’t allowed outdoor gas fireplaces have become a good option. The two main choices in this category are propane and natural gas outdoor fireplaces. But before buying any outdoor fireplace check with your local municipalities to verify they are allowed in your area.

While an outdoor propane fireplace is a better choice if you want a portable patio fireplace, an outdoor natural gas fireplace is a good way to go if you already have a natural gas line piped into your home. You can hire a professional to run a line to your patio or wherever you want to install your outdoor natural gas fireplace so you have a constant fuel source. With this type of set up you never need to worry about chopping or buying fire wood and you don’t need to worry about switching out propane tanks.

One of the benefits of an outdoor gas fireplace is that they are easy to start and extinguish. Many of them even have a remote control option so you can adjust the fire without even getting out of your warm, cozy seat. If the fire gets too warm you can turn it down to make it more comfortable for everyone sitting around enjoying it or if it isn’t warm enough you can turn it up a little.

While you won’t get the crackling sound of the wood burning you also won’t have embers popping out of the fireplace and you don’t have to worry about smoke as outdoor gas fireplaces burn cleaner than wood burning fireplaces.

An outdoor natural gas fireplace can bring a whole new look and feel to you back yard. Outdoor fireplaces can also increase the value of your home, and increase your living space. You may want to start spending more evenings at home with this type of addition.

There are a couple of reasons why you might want an outdoor gas fireplace instead of one fueled by wood. One of the popular options for this is an outdoor propane fireplace.

But before you get too attached to any specific outdoor fireplace be sure to see what is allowed in your area, there may be restrictions about what you can and can’t have in that area. Also check with your homeowner’s association if you are a part of one to see what type of patio fireplace is allowed.

Outdoor Gas Fireplaces

Outdoor gas fireplaces are popular in areas where there are wood burning restrictions. Not only do they burn cleaner but they are cleaner to use in general because you don’t have to worry about ashes or soot and you don’t have the mess of wood storage. They don’t provide the sound or smell of crackling wood, but with gas log inserts you can get more of a traditional fireplace look and feel.

Outdoor propane fireplaces have a couple of advantages over outdoor natural gas fireplaces. Propane burns hotter than natural gas so you can get more heat from an outdoor propane fireplace. This can make a difference when you’re sitting outside where the breeze may be blowing some of the heat away. Another benefit is that propane is available almost everywhere so if you are in a rural area and don’t have access to natural gas you can still enjoy a nicely landscaped patio with a propane outdoor fireplace.

Gas Outdoor Fire Pit

Propane can be turned into a liquid under a lower pressure which makes it easier to store in small containers and transport. Because of this you can easily find a portable outdoor fireplace that uses propane. This is nice if you have a couple areas in your yard where you want to use it so you can simply move it around instead of having two separate outdoor fireplaces. A small portable fireplace can also be nice to take on a camping trip.

A propane outdoor fireplace is easy to start, generally with a switch or button, and easy to extinguish by turning off its fuel source. This makes it nice option for a portable campfire as well.

Outdoor Gas Fire Pits

You can find outdoor propane fireplaces that are fixed, portable or designed as outdoor fire pits. Outdoor propane fire pits can be installed as a fixed unit in your back yard or you can find portable versions. Either way the fire pit style can provide a different look and feel with a 360 degree view of the fire. Outdoor gas fire pits are available in designs ranging from rustic to contemporary. For a really distinct, contemporary look you can even add clear or colored fire glass to many outdoor patio fire pits.

But remember even though you won’t have the cost or hassle of wood when you have an outdoor propane fireplace you need to make sure you have access to propane either through a direct line or with portable propane tanks.
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The chiminea is a popular form of outdoor fireplace. Traditionally it has a bulbous shape, the larger body of it is where the wood is burned which leads to the thinner neck that directs the smoke up and out of the top. The specific design of a traditional outdoor chiminea is nice in that it helps keep smoke from blowing around and in the faces of those enjoying the outdoor fireplace.

The two main types are metal chimineas and clay chimineas. Clay chimineas provide more of a rustic Southwestern look but metal chimineas are more durable and will last longer in a larger variety of climates. Metal chimineas come in a variety of styles and designs from decorative to simple so they can fit pretty well into the design and feel of most outdoor areas.

Cast Iron Chiminea

If you want a metal chiminea that will be durable, long-lasting and pretty low maintenance you probably want to look at cast iron chimineas and cast aluminum chimneas. Certain other types are made out of metals that may be cheaper but may not last quite as long.

Cast Iron Chiminea

Cast iron chimineas are extremely durable. If you’ve had much experience with cast iron you’ll understand. One drawback is that cast iron is very heavy so you won’t be able to move a cast iron chiminea around much. This isn’t a good option if you are looking for a portable outdoor fireplace. But they are pretty low maintenance you just need to touch up any areas where the metal becomes exposed with some high temperature paint every so often to keep it from rusting.

Cast Aluminum Chiminea

Cast Aluminum chimineas are also very durable but they are much lighter and easier to move making them more portable. A cast aluminum chiminea should not warp or rust and it can withstand the elements pretty well so this type of patio fireplace should last you a long time.

As with most outdoor fireplaces you should also get an outdoor fireplace cover — a chiminea cover will provide the best fit — to help protect it and keep it looking its best. But with just a little care quality metal chimineas should last for a long time and help provide many fun evenings outside.
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